‘A long-distance hug’: readers and gen Z on the joy – and expense – of sending Christmas cards

Even if it is no longer the norm to have a mantelpiece crowded with cards or strung on ropes around the room, Britons are still prolific card senders. Photograph: RayArt Graphics/Alamy

The soaring price of stamps has cast doubt on the future of Christmas cards, but despite the money and time involved it seems gen Z want to keep the festive tradition likened to sending a “long distance hug”.

This year, sales of boxed cards are down 23%, and individual Christmas cards 15%, according to John Lewis’s annual shopping trends report, but people have embraced Instagram or WhatsApp to share festive greetings, or sent e-cards. Some send a combination.